Acushnet considers ways to teach foreign languages

ACUSHNET — Because of budget limitations, Ford Middle School hasn't had a foreign language program since the early 1990's. But School Committee members and Ford Principal Christopher Green said recently they'd look into the possibility of providing instruction through a program like Rosetta Stone in the near future.

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By Nicholas Walecka

southcoasttoday.com

By Nicholas Walecka

Posted Feb. 6, 2014 at 10:20 AM

By Nicholas Walecka

Posted Feb. 6, 2014 at 10:20 AM

» Social News

ACUSHNET — Because of budget limitations, Ford Middle School hasn't had a foreign language program since the early 1990's. But School Committee members and Ford Principal Christopher Green said recently they'd look into the possibility of providing instruction through a program like Rosetta Stone in the near future.

"It's just that the numbers haven't added up," said Superintendent Stephen Donovan after School Committee member Douglas Corey expressed his desire to open up a conversation about implementing a language program.

"It's just been a matter of budget," Mr. Donovan said. "It's budget every single time."

Though Acushnet may not have funds to provide a whole foreign language program, committee members hinted at the potential use of a program like Rosetta Stone. Rosetta Stone can be taught through computers and does not require an instructor, though someone would still be needed to watch over the children.

Committee members said that currently, Hastings Middle School in Fairhaven uses Rosetta Stone, where students are instructed in foreign languages through computers.

Mr. Green said he received correspondence from Fairhaven High School noting that foreign language preparation has been identified as one of the only subjects Acushnet students attending FHS are behind in.

Mr. Green said he'd look more deeply into what Hastings is doing, but added he wasn't sure if they could handle it with the current staff at Ford.

"There is time in the schedule for that," he said, though noting they'd possibly have to consider dropping one of their current "specialties," such as art, music, technology or health, to make room for a foreign language program. "It just doesn't add up. You have to lose something you already have."

Mr. Donovan added, "The one thing we don't offer is foreign language, but we do offer everything else."

Mr. Green said that recently, designated library time, once a "specialty," had been dropped from the curriculum at FMS. He said that could potentially be a fit as a location to house any potential foreign language program.

"It's something I'd have to look into," said Mr. Green. "I would like to say yes, but I'd have to look into it further."